Despite only arriving in New Guinea 40,000 years ago,
humans were soon established throughout the island's maze of hidden valleys.
Today, these people are known as Papuans
and together speak over 700 different languages
more than any other island on Earth.
Yet, despite their mastery of the island,
there was one creature they lived in awe of -
the giant man-eating crocodile.
Even today, young men must endure a brutal initiation ceremony,
in the belief that they will acquire the strength and guile of these giant reptiles.
The chief shaman calls out to the crocodile gods,
asking for their blessing and protection.